National Post redesign launches with vertical nameplate, section headers
It’s a strikingly different look this morning for The National Post of Toronto, Canada.
Click on this thumbnail to see a before-and-after of this prototype page:
Editor Douglas Kelly writes:
Under the direction of Gayle Grin, Managing Editor of Design and Graphics, we have developed a look that respects the underpinnings of the Post’s design — a unique combination of traditional and modern typography and layout — while pushing new boundaries and giving the Post a unique, instantly recognizable look.
The design changes do not stop with the front-page banners. We have also increased the size of the typeface and bumped up the space between the lines to improve readability. We have standardized the number of typefaces and moved to a cleaner font for charts, graphics and sidebars. And we have introduced recurring design elements that will break out the background to a story, provide the investment angle and detail what’s coming next. Great design goes hand in hand with great content, and we have made many improvements on the latter front as well.
Here are samples of other prototype pages. From left to right: Sports, biz and features. Click on each thumbnail for a larger view.
And here are a couple more prototype before-and-after comparisons:
Gale’s new design sure emphasizes the drama of vertical art. Very interesting.
Here’s today’s debut front:
Notice the ad across the bottom. Notice the corresponding strip across the top.
Read Kelly’s column — and see plenty more samples — in today’s National Post.
Read an extensive press release about the new design.
September 27th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
I love it…
Great use of space
September 28th, 2007 at 2:27 am
Great innovation. I’m impressed — and tempted.
Now, who among us will consider this for their next redesign? I know — considering all the 5 col. CPs I’ve run lately — that this could work for our little paper.
This beats the (well, you know) out of the Bako/Balto/La Presse ‘L’ argument. Would copying it be considered design plagiarism?
September 28th, 2007 at 2:39 am
Yeah, I love it too.
Great job Gayle!
September 28th, 2007 at 5:24 am
> Would copying it be considered
> design plagiarism?
Yes, it would.
But the better question, I think, is: Would using sideways section front headers and a sideways nameplate be considered copying it?
And the answer is: Yes, some would consider that a copy. Despite the fact that sideways section headers have been around for years.
So go sideways if you think it’s a good solution for your paper. But put your own twist on it. Modify the idea to your needs. And, of course, use a different typography solution — something that works with your font set.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:29 am
I like it. How important is the flag anyway? Does it have to be at the top? How big does it need to be? After all, we’re trying to sell content. If you can sell brand as well, great.
The only thing I’d second-guess — just a rack-sales issue — is shrinking the name just enough to get it all above the fold.
It does put some restraints on those designers who feel they need 6 columns to be free though, doesn’t it? (wink wink nudge nudge)
September 28th, 2007 at 11:37 am
Wow. I think that looks really sharp, and I personally am not a fan of rail teasers. But somehow, the flag draws me into the rail to read the rest of the promos and index. The cover feels like a cover; having fewer stories on the front, combined with some decent art make me think ‘Hey, I should open up the paper and read what’s inside.’
September 28th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Loved it when I saw it in print yesterday — and immediately mocked up a couple of pages to take to a redesign meeting next week ;)
September 30th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
At first look its very good and different.But I have doubts as griffin wrote “The only thing I’d second-guess — just a rack-sales issue — is shrinking the name just enough to get it all above the fold”